Is that agreed? Agreed.

Before moving to the Sinn Féin group, I welcome to the Gallery the Dublin branch of the British Transport Pensioners Federation. I hope they enjoy the day and the hospitality. They are welcome. I understand the Sinn Féin speakers are sharing time.

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I thank the Minister. I acknowledge the level of investment in the Department of children in the years since its establishment in 2011. I concur with many of the comments made by previous speakers on this important sector. Having engaged with parents, providers and SIPTU over the years, I welcome the additional funding, JLC process and employment regulation orders that have been established to put support under the sector. It is hugely important that we provide minimum rates of pay and additional funding of up to €…

I join with the Leas-Cathaoirleach in congratulating Jeremy on what we assume is a promotion to new pastures. I thank him for his service and friendship over the years. I wish George the very best of luck and welcome him to his promotion here as well. The Order of Business is No. 1, Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Accidents) Bill 2024 - Committee Stage (resumed), to be taken at 4.45 p.m. and to adjourn at 6.15 p.m., if not previously concluded; and No. 2, Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (Amendm…

I thank Senators for their contributions. Senator O'Loughlin referred to fairer fares. I congratulate all the commuters in Kildare, Newbridge, Drogheda and other areas who will benefit from the reduced fares. I acknowledge the Senator's advocacy on this matter over a long number of years. She also mentioned the Allenwood Day Care Centre, meals on wheels and existing services. I suggest that a Commencement matter may get a more direct response on those issues. She also mentioned catfishing and I look forward to the …

Is that agreed? Agreed.

Before I invite the next speaker, I welcome guests of Deputy Catherine Ardagh, the teachers and pupils of Coláiste Cholmcille, Ballyshannon. You are welcome to the Seanad and I hope you enjoy your day. The next speaker is Senator Eileen Flynn.

Next Tuesday at 2.30 p.m.

The Order of Business is No. 1, Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (Amendment) Bill 2023 - Second Stage, to be taken at 1 p.m. and to conclude at 3 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes each, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes each, time may be shared and the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; and Private Members' business No. 31, m…

I thank all Senators for their contributions. The first speaker was Senator O'Loughlin. She initially talked about dementia supports and welcomed to the House the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, which is holding two workshops here later today. I acknowledge and commend the Senator's work on the all-party group on dementia over the years. Dementia is a very serious illness. It is a sad illness in that people's memories of loved ones and families are greatly impacted. The all-party group does great work. Obviously, the…

The Minister of State is welcome to the House and I join others in wishing him well in his term ahead. It is an important area and one he has an interest in and passion for. I wish him well in all our interests but most importantly the interests of the children with special needs and their parents. I acknowledge the Sinn Féin motion. It is important to have a debate on this topic. Fine Gael and the Government more widely are acutely aware of the importance of education to the people of this country. For generations…

At 9.30 a.m. tomorrow.

I welcome the ambassador and wish him and his people well on their national day.

The Order of Business is No. 1, Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Accidents) Bill 2024 - Committee Stage, to be taken at 4.45 p.m. and to adjourn at 6 p.m., if not previously concluded; and No. 2, statements on road safety, to be taken at 6 p.m. and to conclude at 8 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes and time may be shared, an…

I thank all Senators for their contributions this afternoon, starting with Senator O' Loughlin, who brought up the issue of the disappeared and Joe Lynskey. We think of his family and the false dawn. Unfortunately, the remains that were discovered were not those of Joe and they also were not related to the other interred members within that family grave. The remains are, therefore, unknown. I commend the work of the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains and the ongoing, very important work tha…

The Minister is very welcome to the Chamber to talk about the important issue of road safety. I agree with some of the speakers who said that when you knock on doors when canvassing or outside election periods and ask people how they are getting on and about issues affecting them, the issue of speeding is brought up so often. This is in both rural and city areas. Given the speed that cars go, we have to ask how many people obey the speed limits. I am referring to the period even before the recent reduction of speed…

Tomorrow morning at 10.30.

I congratulate and welcome my good friend and colleague, the Minister, Deputy Heydon, to the Chamber for the first time as Minister for agriculture to open proceedings on a debate on Ireland's national plan under the Common Agricultural Policy.

I am sorry to interrupt but I understand the Senator is sharing time with Senator Duffy.